Oakland Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Homicide, Crime Spree

UPDATE: An Oakland man has begun a 22-year prison sentence following his involvement in a violent crime spree, including the tragic shooting of a teenager. Zikih Nobles, now 24 years old, reported to North Kern State Prison on November 6, eight years after he shot and killed 18-year-old Soane Mausia during a series of crimes in 2017.

Nobles accepted the sentence as part of a plea deal with Alameda County prosecutors, pleading no contest to manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Mausia, and to an unrelated robbery. Authorities report that he will receive credit for the eight years he has already spent behind bars.

The case against Nobles has been tumultuous, initially charged with murder and several counts of attempted murder and robbery related to his crime spree when he was just 16 years old. In a dramatic turn of events earlier this year, a judge ruled that Nobles should be tried as a juvenile, but subsequent rulings allowed prosecutors to charge him as an adult.

Nobles is allegedly affiliated with the Case gang, an Oakland-based organization linked to numerous violent incidents. The judge overseeing his case noted the challenges Nobles faced growing up, including parental incarceration and exposure to violence, which shaped his troubled youth.

On November 5, 2017, Nobles’ crime spree escalated when he attempted to rob a woman and shot at her, claiming the gunfire was accidental. This incident marked the beginning of a chaotic series of events, culminating in the fatal shooting of Mausia, who had recently graduated from Skyline High School with a 4.0 GPA. According to an online fundraiser, Mausia was described as wise and compassionate, often standing up for those in need.

The shooting occurred at a residence located at the intersection of Lockwood Street and 78th Avenue. Tragically, Mausia’s brother was also injured but survived the gunfire. Nobles later confessed to his involvement and admitted to firing at a house belonging to suspected gang rivals, ensuring police that he had disposed of the murder weapon.

The crime spree finally ended when Nobles led police on a high-speed chase through Oakland in a stolen 2002 Mercedes Benz. The pursuit ended with multiple collisions before he was apprehended by law enforcement.

This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of youth violence and gang affiliation in Oakland. Officials continue to emphasize the impact of such crimes on communities, particularly the families of victims like Mausia.

As Nobles begins his lengthy prison term, the community reflects on the loss of young lives and the urgent need for solutions to prevent youth involvement in crime. The emotional toll of this case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable youth in urban environments.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and its implications for public safety in Oakland.